All You Need to Know about Wagashi
Japan’s culinary tradition is as rich and diverse as its history, and when it comes to sweets, nothing represents Japanese culture quite like wagashi. These traditional Japanese confections are not just sweets but also works of art, crafted with care to reflect the natural beauty of the changing seasons. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident of Tokyo, experiencing wagashi is a must for anyone curious about Japanese culture. In this blog, we will introduce the fascinating world of wagashi, its types, places where you can try making wagashi yourself in Tokyo, and some of the best wagashi shops in the city.
Table of Contents
What is Wagashi?
Wagashi refers to Japanese sweets, often enjoyed during tea ceremonies. Unlike Western desserts, which use dairy products like cream and butter, wagashi is traditionally made from plant-based ingredients such as rice flour, red bean paste (anko), sugar, and agar-agar (a gelatin derived from seaweed). However, in recent years, a new wave of wagashi has emerged, blending traditional techniques with Western influences. Some modern wagashi now incorporate dairy products, such as cream and butter, creating a richer and smoother flavor. For example, cream daifuku and Western-style dorayaki filled with custard or chocolate are gaining popularity.
The Importance of Seasonality in Wagashi
One of the defining features of wagashi is its deep connection to the seasons. Spring brings cherry blossom-themed treats like sakura mochi and uguisu mochi. In summer, refreshing mizugashi or shaved ice are popular choices. In autumn, chestnut and sweet potato-based wagashi appear, while winter features hearty sweets like yokan and warm, comforting daifuku. Each wagashi is a celebration of the season it represents, making every bite a way to experience the changing nature of Japan’s climate.
Popular Types of Wagashi
Japan offers a wide variety of wagashi, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most common types you’ll find.
1. Nerikiri
Nerikiri is a type of elegant, handcrafted confection made from white bean paste and glutinous rice flour. Often shaped to represent seasonal flowers, plants, or other nature-inspired motifs, nerikiri is commonly served during tea ceremonies. Its soft, smooth texture and delicate flavors make it a favorite among those who appreciate both its aesthetic appeal and taste.
2. Sakura Mochi
Sakura mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet commonly enjoyed in the spring. It consists of sweet red bean paste wrapped in a pink-colored mochi and is usually wrapped in a salted cherry blossom leaf. The leaf adds a slight salty contrast to the sweetness of the mochi. There are two main types of sakura mochi: Kanto-style and Kansai-style. Kanto-style uses a crepe-like dough made from wheat flour, similar in texture to dorayaki, while Kansai-style uses domyoji flour (coarsely processed glutinous rice), resulting in a chewy texture.
3. Uguisu Mochi
Uguisu mochi is also typically enjoyed in the spring. It is named after the uguisu (Japanese bush warbler) because its shape and soft green color resemble the small bird. Uguisu-mochi consists of a soft mochi filled with smooth sweet red bean paste (koshian), and the outside is dusted with uguisu-ko, a green-colored roasted soybean flour made from green soybeans. This elegant wagashi is cherished for its delicate sweetness and its symbolic association with the arrival of spring in Japan.
4. Mizugashi
Mizugashi are light, refreshing sweets often enjoyed in the summer. These include transparent jellies made from agar or kudzu, as well as "mizu manju" (water dumplings), which are soft dumplings filled with sweet bean paste and served chilled.
5. Yokan
Yokan is a dense, sweet jelly made from azuki beans, agar, and sugar. It has a smooth, firm texture and can be stored for a long time, making it a traditional gift in Japan. There are different varieties of yokan, including green tea or chestnut flavors, often enjoyed with tea.
6. Daifuku
Daifuku is a soft, chewy mochi filled with sweet red bean paste. It comes in various flavors, including the popular "strawberry daifuku," which contains a whole fresh strawberry inside. The contrast between the chewy mochi exterior and the sweet filling makes it a satisfying treat that is enjoyed year-round.
7. Dorayaki
Dorayaki is a sweet pancake sandwich filled with red bean paste. In Japanese, dora means "copper gong", and because of the similarity of the round shapes, this is probably the origin of the name of the sweet. Today, modern variations may include fillings like custard, whipped cream, or fruit, making it a fusion of tradition and innovation.
Experience Wagashi Making in Tokyo
If you want to take your appreciation for wagashi to the next level, why not try making them yourself? Tokyo offers several workshops where professional wagashi artisans guide you in creating these delicate confections.
Sweets Making & Kimono Tea Ceremony in Tokyo by Kimono Tea Celemony Maikoya
In this class, participants will wear a traditional kimono and apron and learn how to make wagashi.
After a basic explanation of wagashi, participants proceed to the hands-on class. The host is professionals with extensive experience in wagashi making and tea ceremony. You will receive instruction in English or Japanese, whichever you prefer.
At the end of the class, you will be served handmade Japanese sweets and matcha green tea. The special sweets and drink will surely make for an enjoyable cultural experience.
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Price
12,000 JPY per person
Mochi and Traditional Sweets Making with Tea Ceremony
Source: byFood
In this Tokyo Wagashi and Mochi Making Class, you will learn how to make traditional Japanese sweets and mochi, making two types of mochi and two types of Japanese sweets (nerikiri), using traditional tools and techniques to beautifully shape the mochi and decorate the sweets. The finished sweets will be served with green tea. At the end of the class, you can take home the rest of the sweets!
We had a great class. The instructor was patient, clear, and kind. At the end, we had made several beautiful treats. By byFood
Duration
2 hour 30 minutes
Price
14,000 JPY per person
Make Traditional Japanese Sweets Nerikiri & Make Matcha
Source: Viator
This class is a small-group wagashi making class in Harajuku, Tokyo, where you can learn about Japanese culture and cuisine. Your instructor will teach you how to make Nerikiri from bean paste, sugar, and other ingredients. Then it is your turn. Please enjoy it with freshly made matcha green tea.
I had a wonderful experience learning how to make Nerikiri with Hana. Hana’s home was lovely and it was special to see the inside of a locals home. We also learned how to make Matcha, which was a wonderful experience as well. Overall the class was aesthetically pleasing, fun and very tasty, of course! Thank you Hana! By Viator
Duration
1 hour 45 minutes
Price
8,821 JPY per person
Experience Japanese Tradition Through Wagashi-Making
Taking a wagashi-making class is not just about creating sweets; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese tradition and culture. Whether you’re crafting delicate nerikiri or shaping mochi for daifuku, the experience is as satisfying as the sweets themselves. As you create and enjoy these beautiful confections, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and seasonal nature of wagashi.
If you’re interested in exploring the world of wagashi, consider joining a local workshop or an online class. It’s a memorable and unique way to experience Japan, and the joy of making your own wagashi is a delightful souvenir that you can share with family and friends.
3 Best Wagashi Shops in Tokyo
If you prefer to taste professionally crafted wagashi rather than make them yourself, Tokyo is home to many famous shops offering both traditional and modern creations.
Shiono
Source: Sayamatcha
Shiono is located a minute walk from Akasaka station, a long-established Japanese confectionery established in 1947. The charm of Shiono's fresh confections is that they carefully show the slight changes of the seasons without omitting anything. The sweets are characterized by their soft pastel colors, which brighten up the place when you open the box. It is fun to choose from a wide variety.
Opening Hours
Weekdays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturdays and National Holidays 9:00 AM - 17:00 PM
Closed on Sundays
Map
Kasho Kikuya
Source: Tabelog
Kikuya is a 5-minute walk from Omotesando Station and is a long-established shop that has been making high-quality Japanese confections since 1935. Rather than expanding the size of the store, we have focused on the pursuit of technique and have earned a high reputation from various circles for our single store. If you want to taste genuine Japanese sweets, please visit here.
Opening Hours
9:30 AM - 17:00 PM
Closed on Mondays, Sundays and National Holidays
Map
Takeno To Ohagi
Source: Food Lover Girl
Takeno To Ohagi has its main store an 8-minute walk from Sakura Shinmachi Station. Ohagi (Japanese Sweet Rice Balls) are artistically arranged in wooden boxes as if they were flower arrangements. In addition to the orthodox type, there are also ones made with berries and other fruits, which makes you excited to find out what each one tastes like! There are also branches near Gakugei Daigaku and Omotesando stations.
Opening Hours
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Map
Why You Should Try Wagashi
Wagashi is more than just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a window into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. From traditional mochi and dorayaki to seasonal nerikiri, wagashi represents a perfect harmony of art, nature, and flavor. Recently, wagashi incorporating dairy products have become more common, offering a delightful fusion of Japanese and Western flavors. Whether you choose to make wagashi yourself in a Tokyo workshop or enjoy them from a historic shop, these sweets are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Patia’s Jiro-style Ramen Making Class in Tokyo
We run Japanese cooking classes in Tokyo. We also offer a Jiro-style Ramen making class with an English-speaking instructor. In this class, participants can go to a local supermarket in Akihabara to buy ingredients, make Jiro-style ramen from scratch, and eat it. We are hoping you to enjoy Japanese food experiences and create unforgettable memories in Tokyo.
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